Martinic Palace Prague

The Martinic Palace once served as Hradčany’s Town Hall. It also became decrepit apartments. Only during a renovation project did its true beauty emerge. The 16th century facades, thought to be lost during the following years of abuse and makeovers, remained intact. The cream-colored brown, ornate sgraffito was uncovered. The sgraffito in the courtyard tells the story or the Labors of Hercules as well as the tale of Samson. Other biblical scenes include those of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. Above the door, you can still see the Martinic Family heraldic Emblem: vine leaves and a star. Take time to explore the building when you visit the unique Museum of Mechanical Instruments. Open only recently, the collection boats over 100 instruments fating from 1870 to 1940. They include orchestrions, street organs, gramophones and music boxes. Along with the displays, you can see demonstrations of how the instruments operate.